1897 Foundation of the NUWSS - Prepartations for the Artwork

1897 Foundation of the NUWSS - Prepartations for the Artwork

Artist's Statement

I use object wrapping as a way of both honouring and separating from the past. I chose the typewriter as the centrepiece, reclaimed by many women as a powerful weapon in their struggle for self-representation.

Artwork by Alinah Azadeh titled NUWSS - Votes for Women

A forerunner of digital media, it symbolises the movement’s extraordinary capacity to communicate their campaign at a crucial time. I have used a mix of the NUWSS, WSPU and WFL colours, and the chain represents what it took to make sure the message was heard in public. Suffrage play specialist and actor Naomi Paxton introduced me to Cicely Hamilton’s play Pageant of Great Women, which is featured in the image. I also used the Women’s Library and Museum of London archive, and a visit to the suffrage section in the House of Commons.

Sources of Inspiration

I met and talked with suffrage plays specialist Naomi Paxton about the vast creative output of the suffrage movement

An essay by Victoria Olwell on the link between suffrage and the typewriter

The Common Cause newspaper which supported the policies of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Society

The Women's Library at LSE

National Archives has a good selection of source material

The Museum of London suffrage movement online collection Including padlock and chain